Long Distance Train Trips and What You Need to Know

Most people do not go by rail when they have to cross the country. The fact is, it takes too long to fit in some people's available time, and a lot of people don't even realize it's an option. A few days ago, a friend of mine was asking me about the train as an option for her to get out to college, so I decided I would write about what you need to know for riding the train long distance.

First is the class difference. Long distance trains have coach class and first class. In coach class you get a coach seat and a pillow. If nobody is sitting next to you, you get two seats and two pillows, although in the summer this is very rare. You get access to the lounge car, cafe car, and diner car. In first class, you get a private room and a bed, a shower, and all your meals in the diner are free. First class fares are a coach fare and a room fare together, and rooms have two beds in them, so if you are traveling with someone you only have to pay the room fare once. The sleeping arrangements depend on whether you have a Viewliner or a Superliner sleeper, which depends on what route you take. All long distance routes in the west use Superliners, all long distance routes in the east (except the Capitol Limited and Auto Train, which use Superliners) use Viewliners. Visit www.amtrak.com to learn more about coach and sleeper arrangements. Once on the train, you can ask the conductor if there are any rooms available, and if there are you can upgrade to first class, usually for less than full fare.

Checked baggage is available on most trains. However, not all stations offer checked baggage service, so check the stations along your route before you check any baggage. If you are getting off at some obscure place in the middle of nowhere, chances are you'll have to bring your baggage as a carry-on. Amtrak has size and weight limits on carry-ons, but nobody actually checks. Checked baggage is free for the first three bags per passenger, and up to three more are allowed for a fee.

Most western trains are set up with the sleepers toward the front of the train, followed by the diner and the lounge, and the coaches are at the end. Passengers are free to walk around on the train, just make sure you don't miss your stop! The diner car has walk-in service for breakfast and lunch, but reservations are required for dinner. The lounge car has the cafe on the bottom level and the top level has floor-to-ceiling windows that go the whole length of the car. I like to hang out in this car all day. Make sure when you leave your seat, you take your ticket stub with you and leave your seat check at your seat. The seat check tells other people that that seat is taken, so when someone gets on the train at another station they won't take your seat. Eastern trains (except the Capitol Limited and Auto Train) do not have a lounge car, but they do have a cafe car.

Long distance trains make smoking stops. If you smoke, this is a good time to get off the train and smoke on the platform for a few minutes. Smoking is not allowed on board the trains. I use this opportunity to get out and take some photos of the train. Do not leave the train's side, because it does not stop very long, and it will not wait for you.

Finally, get to know your fellow passengers. You're stuck with them for a few days, and most of them have interesting stories to tell. I am writing an article about the people I meet on my July trip, which will be published at a later date.